Heights and heat in Banff

The town of Banff has many activities to do and some of the best aren't too far from town. An easy afternoon was spent around Sulphur Mountain. The walk there from town took longer than expected as the tourist map is far from to scale. If you look closely you will see little lines cutting through a few of the roads on the map indicating that it is in fact no to scale. Not that the walk is too difficult, just that I thought I was taking a shorter route which I believe ended up being much longer, though nice through the tall pines. Anyway at the Banff Gondola wasn’t sure now whether to ride it up instead of the hike. After a quick rest and some sustenance the decision was clearer, particularly seeing the long cue for the Gondola!

The track which starts on the edge of the car park between the Gondola and Hot Springs winds itself up the steep hillside. With the slow incline you feel like you are ascending quickly. With the height of the trees you don’t get too many views out over Banff and the valley, though when you do they are fabulous. A few wildflowers were appearing on the lower slope, though higher up just green shoots were apparent as the path continued back and forth under the Gondola heading straight up the hill high above. About ¾ way up the track snowy patches started to appear, at times slowing the step. Then it was there, visuals on the upper  terminal only a couple switch backs away? Just when you think you are there, there is still away to go and the snow was getting heavier. Finally at the top and greeted by a squirrel the 1.45hr hike was great. From the terminal there is still another 400m to the peak, though with the well constructed board walked, above the snow level, intended for many to venture, it is an easy walk and the views well worth the extra effort. On a clear day you can see well into the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. It was hazily clear and windy when I first ascended though the clouds were coming in and by the time I was back to the terminal it had started to rain. Even still I went to the lookout above the restaurant with countries and distances located around the 360 degree lookout.

With the wind and cold getting to me I sat in the eatery and had a hot chocolate watching the clouds slowly enclose around me. I caught the Gondola down and made my way to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Wondering in the rain whether it was worth sitting there. Though with people enjoying it regardless due to the steam rising off the 39 degree water it was all too inviting. So I spent the late early evening soaking in the warmth and looking out over the mountains. After some time the clouds had moved on and the sky was blue once again. Refreshed I walked back into town via the Fairmont. The expanse of this hotel can’t be gauged from below.